The forged of The Cosby Present is paying tribute to the late Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who performed Theo Huxtable within the ’80s sitcom. The Cosby Present star and Grammy-winning musician died on July 21, 2025, at age 54. Based on Folks, the reason for demise was confirmed as unintended asphyxiation by submersion, which the star suffered whereas swimming on a household trip to Costa Rica.
What The Solid Of The Cosby Present Has Mentioned About Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Demise
His Former Co-Stars Recalled His Supportive Nature & Expertise
“Phrases can not describe the ache and disappointment and shock I really feel with the latest lack of MJW. He was the large brother. He was a beacon. He was one of the multifaceted, proficient males. So mild.
“My heart and soul and hugs and kisses go out to his daughter and his wife and his mother. He gave the best advice. He gave the best hugs. And his smile will always be a huge, bright f***ing white smile in my head forever. I love you and I know you’re watching over all of us now. Bye, Malcolm.”
Karen Malina White, who portrayed Charmaine on The Cosby Present and spinoff A Totally different World, additionally shared an uplifting recollection of Warner on Instagram. She thanked him for his or her relationship, and she or he provided condolences to his surviving relations:
What a profound Karmic Relationship my buddy. Thanks. Till we meet once more. Love you At all times in All Methods. My deepest condolences to Pam Warner, his spouse and daughter.”
Elvin Tibideaux actor Geoffrey Owens gave a press release to Deadline relating to Warner’s demise, echoing the emotions about Warner’s supportive presence:
“This tragedy has almost left me speechless. Malcolm was a lovely man; a sweet and sensitive soul. I respected him for many reasons, including the fact that he genuinely loved the act of creation. He had the mind of an actor and the heart of a musician. He was generous, too. I did a theater project long ago and asked him to participate; and he was there for me. My heart goes out to his family.”
And Gary LeRoi Grey, who appeared within the sitcom’s closing season as Nelson Tibideaux, additionally wrote an Instagram put up, during which he recalled how a lot he appeared as much as Warner as a child, calling him “mythical” and “the real deal.” Learn the whole lot of Grey’s put up under:
Grey is not the one one who performed Nelson to talk out about Warner, both. Twins Chris and Clayton Griggs, who introduced the youthful model of the character to life, additionally paid tribute to their former co-star on Instagram:
“Nonetheless making an attempt to course of that you just’re gone within the bodily! Brother Malcolm-Jamal Warner was a lot greater than a legend to us he was household. A real buddy, a mentor, and a relentless supply of inspiration.
We give thanks for the great conversations, time and the love you confirmed us. Seeing you put on our model tee whereas sharing poetry that strikes us so profoundly it’s a reminder of simply how unbelievable you’re. Thanks for being you! Relaxation simple, King. Your phrases, your work, and your spirit reside on.”
Different Celebrities Are Additionally Paying Tribute To Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Tributes for Warner are pouring in from celebrities not related to The Cosby Present as effectively, together with Beyoncé. Beyoncé’s web site now options a picture of Warner, together with textual content studying, “Rest in power, Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Thanks for a bit part of our shared television history. You will be missed.”
Warner’s co-stars from Reed Between the Strains shared their ideas too, together with Tracee Ellis Ross, who portrayed Warner’s on-screen spouse within the collection. Ellis Ross wrote on Instagram:
“I love you, Malcolm. First I met you as Theo with the rest of the world then you were my first TV husband. My heart is so so sad. What an actor and friend you were: warm, gentle, present, kind, thoughtful, deep, funny, elegant. You made the world a brighter place. Sending so much love to your family. I’m so sorry for this unimaginable loss.”
Different stars who’ve posted in honor of Warner embody Sherri Shepherd, Angela Bassett, and Yvette Nicole Brown. It is clear The Cosby Present alum meant so much to many alternative folks. He’ll actually be missed.
